Outward Hound Acquires Planet Dog

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Outward Hound, a portfolio company of J.W. Childs Associates, L.P., announced today it had acquired Planet Dog, a leader in the dog toy segment.

Since 1997, Planet Dog has been known as a leading Made in USA and socially responsible, values based pet company made for dogs by dog lovers. Its line of world famous Orbee durable toys, plush and travel products further expands the Outward Hound portfolio offering the best branded products all from one vendor.

“We are excited to transition the Planet Dog brand and our socially responsible mission to the Outward Hound team,”  said Alex Fisher Founder & Chief Creative Officer. “They have the innovation, experience and financial resources to take our brand and mission of community, environment and people to the next level. We look forward to seeing their team get dogs wagging their tails around the world using our products.”

“Planet Dog has created some of the most well-known and innovative Made in USA products in the pet industry. Our new partnership strengthens our goal to become the leading vendor in the dog toy category,” said Outward Hound CWO (Chief Woof Officer) Kyle Hansen.

Outward Hound is a J.W. Childs Associates Portfolio Company that is an award-winning innovator, creator, manufacturer and distributor of the highest quality toys, games, gear and feeders for dogs and cats.

This is the third acquisition for Outward Hound since December 2017, when the company was acquired by J.W. Childs Associates, a Boston-based private equity firm focused on investing in middle-market growth companies. Since inception in 1995, J.W. Childs has invested in excess of $3.5 billion of equity capital in more than 45 companies across the consumer, specialty retail and healthcare industries. The firm’s success has been built on its industry focus and the extensive operating expertise of its partners.